Visalia, CA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- VMC § 15.40.020
- Permit Required
- Yes - no-fee permit, all fences
- Applies To
- Fences 6 ft or less
- Over 6 ft
- Standard building permit under CBC
- Where to Apply
- Permit Counter, 315 E. Acequia Ave
- Phone
- 559-713-4444
Summary
Visalia Municipal Code section 15.40.020 requires a 'no fee' permit from the City Building Department before any fence is erected, altered, or moved. The Fence Ordinance applies to all fences in the city that are six feet or less in height; taller walls and fences are regulated under the California Building Code.
No person, firm, or corporation shall erect, construct, alter, or move a fence in the city, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a no fee permit from the city building department. This Fence Ordinance is applicable to all fences in the city which are six feet or less in height. The purpose of this section is to control location and height of fences as may be required by city laws, rules, and regulations to safeguard life or limb, property and public welfare.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
020 governs fence permits. ' The ordinance applies to all fences six feet or less in height; fences and walls exceeding six feet are regulated as structures under the California Building Code (adopted in VMC Title 15) and require a standard building permit with structural review. Applications are filed at the Permit Counter at 315 E. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559-713-4444). 040 and California Health and Safety Code § 115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act), which requires a 60-inch (5-foot) enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates around private pools.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence without the required no-fee permit is a Title 15 violation. Code Enforcement (559-713-4534) can issue a notice of violation requiring the owner to obtain a retroactive permit and to bring the fence into conformance with VMC 17.36 height and location rules. Continued non-compliance can result in administrative citations, stop-work orders, and removal/abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Visalia?
What if my fence is taller than 6 feet?
Where do I apply for a fence permit?
Is a pool fence subject to different rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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